Q: On jobs legislation, what would be the best outcome for your party?

"Our senators in tough races need to show that they are willing to work with the opposition party and get something done."

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"When you're the majority, bipartisanship is magnanimous and smart."

"The voters want to see the partisan gamesmanship put aside and have Washington solve problems, jobs being No. 1."

"A jobs bill that has Republican and Democratic support will provide some protection from political attacks by the Republicans and be more widely accepted by the public."

"Any legislative achievement that focuses on jobs right now would be a boost for the Democrats. That's why the Republicans will not agree to anything."

"It would show that Democrats can actually lead."

"Right now, voters are increasingly thinking that Democrats are incapable of getting their act together and passing a Democratic agenda or working across the aisle to get a bipartisan agenda through. If they think that way in November, they'll give Republicans a chance to lead."

"We need some cover now due to the failures and GOP tactics of 2009: The good news is, so do they."

Essentially Democratic bill

"We need to show we are getting something done. It's hard to be bipartisan when the other side just wants you to fail."

"We will own the issue; it might as well be our bill."

"We need a good bill that works. It is already weaker than needed."

"Democrats need something to take back to their base for midterm elections. And the Republican health care proposals can't serve that purpose."

"The Republicans don't want government to solve problems. They want government to fail. Screw 'em. Pass legislation and make them explain to the millions of people that are hurting why they chose to put politics ahead of the interests of their constituents."

"What is best politically is not the same as what is best for the country. What would be best politically would be for the Democrats to pass a bill over the objections of Republicans and have the unemployment rate remain at a level that is unacceptable."

"Will keep government spending at the forefront."

No 2010 jobs bill

"Payoff awaits the party that can stop these spending boondoggles."

"Without progress on jobs, it will simply hurt Democrats and help Republicans."

"Hard to argue that the stimulus was a mistake, but a second government-driven effort will be a success."

"Frustration with the institution drags down those in control, Democrats more than our guys."

"It would demonstrate that the Democrats can't run the railroad."

Q: Who will benefit more from the White House-sponsored bipartisan health care summit?